Russian 2S19 howitzers decimated by Ukrainian drone strikes

Self-propelled 2S19 "Msta-S" howitzers aren't having the best run in Ukraine. As reported by Militarny, the Russian army has lost many of them over the past month. Visual materials on social media confirm the elimination of at least nine howitzers. Each loss of this valuable military equipment is a victory for Ukrainians. Let's remind ourselves what the 2S19 "Msta-S" is.

Self-propelled 2S19 "Msta-S" howitzers are most frequently eliminated using Ukrainian FPV drones armed with explosive charges. The unmanned aircraft approaches the target and then strike it, leading to an explosion. Despite Russia losing a large number of 2S19 "Msta-S" howitzers, more units from reserves are being sent to the front.

The 2S19 "Msta-S," with a calibre of 152 mm, entered service in 1989 as a successor to the self-propelled 2S3 Akatsiya howitzer. Its modernized versions are still produced by the Russians today. The howitzer combines elements from T-80 and T-72 tanks and consists of a turret mounted on a 6×6 tracked, armoured chassis. It can attack targets located at distances ranging from 15 miles to nearly 18 miles, including enemy artillery, tanks, armoured vehicles, field fortifications, and manpower.

The 2S19 "Msta-S" howitzer weighs 92,500 lbs., is almost 10 feet high, and can move at a maximum speed of 37 mph. The vehicle is also adapted for crossing water bodies up to 16 feet deep. Its range is estimated to be 311 miles. Besides the main gun, the 2S19 "Msta-S" is armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Additionally, three smoke grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turret.

Army Technology notes that this howitzer has a rate of fire of eight rounds per minute. It also highlights that a unit consisting of eight self-propelled 2S19 "Msta-S" howitzers can fire up to three tons of shells at a chosen target in a minute.